_________________________________________________________________________

UNI Products Fly Tiers Corner

_________________________________________________________________________

July 2026

Article and photos by Adam Hortenberry

With natural taper, lively movement, and endless color possibilities, Squimpish Fibers have earned a place on the modern tying bench. Here’s why they work and how to put them to use in a durable, adaptable pattern built for Saltwater.

This article explores the versatility of Squimpish Fibers, from their natural taper and durability to their role in building baitfish, squid, and shrimp patterns. It also outlines recommended materials and walks through a simple tying process that can be adjusted to match local bait and fishing conditions.

SQUIMPISH FLIES

I was first introduced to David Nelson’s style of tying about four or five years ago, and it immediately stood out to me. David’s unique approach to blending natural materials with synthetic fibers is unmatched, especially with the influence of a Pacific Northwest tying style. When I recently asked David why he wanted to create the Squimpish brand, his answer was simple: “It’s a better alternative to craft fur.”

David and Stephie Nelson.

Where to Incorporate Squimpish Fibers

Squimpish Fibers can be incorporated into nearly any freshwater or saltwater scenario. They shine especially well in baitfish, squid, and shrimp patterns. You can veil them over bucktail when tying hollow flies, or use the style featured in this article: a combination of bird fur from Whiting Farms, stacked Squimpish Fibers, laser dub, and a coated head finished with Dave’s Flex Cement. You can get artsy and make some interesting squid and baitfish. I have also tied bonefish flies with Patterns such as Gotchas and Squimps in place of craft fur. A great color option for shrimps would be Tan & White loose Fibers or the “Sparkle Blends”.

What Should I Buy to Start?

My favorite Squimpish product to use is boutique blends. These blends offer stunning mixes of flash and Squimpish Fiber that are ready to tie right out of the package.

They are easy to work with and ready to rock and roll. Squimpish also offers hanks without flash for tyers who prefer to build their own blends. The fiber itself is extremely durable and can be trimmed to shape if desired. Personally, I stack it in hand the way David showed me.

As most tyers know, another important consideration is “matching the hatch.” Choosing colors and profiles that resemble the local bait can make a tremendous difference, and the photo shown is a perfect example of matching the hatch by Jonny King.

This is an extremely durable pattern that can be fished anywhere in the world. By switching colors, feathers, and proportions, you can easily adapt the fly to match the bait in your local water. Whether you are tying for stripers, redfish or anything in between, Squimpish Fibers give you the freedom to build profile, movement, and durability into one fly. Keep experimenting with color combinations, feather choices, and proportions, and let the bait in front of you guide the final pattern. To purchase products go to www.squimpishflies.com use discount code “Horten” for 15 percent off your order total.

Adam Hortenberry is a dedicated fly tyer and angler from Cincinnati, Ohio, now based in Atlanta, Georgia after years immersed in New England’s fly-fishing culture. He collaborates with Temple Fork Outfitters and Renomed Scissorsand travels the country attending Fly Fishing Shows. When he’s not on the water, Adam teaches fly-tying workshops and develops innovative patterns. Follow him on Instagram: @adamhortenberry